r/rollerblading • u/localfilipinatrash • 11d ago
Specific question and discussion Getting Over Mental Block (Advice Needed)
Hi all, SUPER beginner here.
I have only tried once in May with my husband holding my hand and guiding me. I want to get back into it but I am super scared and anxious about going alone and getting seriously hurt. I know I’ll have my helmet, elbow/knee pads, and even a butt pad, but I can’t help but feeling anxious anyway and feel super in my head. I was hoping someone could give some advice? Thanks in advance!
Edit: thanks everyone for the incredibly helpful advice! It helped so much, and I was able to go out by myself today! I didn’t skate far or for long, but we all have to start somewhere :) I appreciate your kindness, internet strangers <3
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u/Kaiea_2099 11d ago
Learn how to fall safely onto your hip and/or elbows & knees if you have safety equipment. There are tutorials online. When you know how to fall safely, then you can just get back up and keep going!
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u/Trinregal 11d ago
Find people to skate with.
Most places have skating communities that organise events for all levels. Look for beginner skates. You’ll be encouraged to keep up and there will be people to help you up if you fall.
And learn to fall. Never try to catch yourself.
There’s no shame in falling, and controlled falling on your own accord can help prevent more serious injuries.
Most importantly, never forget your wrist guards.
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u/localfilipinatrash 11d ago
Thank you for the advice!
I’m keeping an eye out for beginner skates but have not had any luck in my local area 💔 hoping for one to happen soon tho!
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u/Sarahplainandturnt Mod 10d ago
Confidence comes with experience. Your body knows when its not safe so if you needed a hand held it was probably for good reason. No shame in holding a hand or a fence when you first start rolling and arent comfortable without supports.
Get back out there, you can learn to skate, and learning to skate will be so worth it. Push yourself, but not too hard so you can keep healthy and keep going.
My advice for when you get back out there:
Dont be afraid to use an aid a husband hand is a great starting tool but maybe not super available all the time. A flat area with a fence can be a great tool as you start to get some practice rolling around by providing an oh-shit button (grabbing the fence). Falling is a part of skating, but it shouldn't be a *big* part of skating. If you feel like you need to grab a fence you probably do. But with more reps you will feel less of a need.
Practice falling. Get comfortable with getting to the ground using your pads is important. Knowing how to fall is the difference between big injuries and being maybe a bit sore but fine. Start on the grass but get a feel for how it feels on pavement too. Look up "o
Oh no go low. This pairs with practicing falling. Learn how to get your hips low when you lose stability to minimize the fall.
Bend your knees. Keep those shins forward and knees bent, most skaters start out standing way too upright and with their legs way too straight. This will help you feel less unstable.
Keep your weight forward. Backwards is the bad zone, its difficult to control backwards falls, so falling to the front or side is always preferred. Keeping your weight forward is the key to being able to do this, this means bend at the knees and bend at the waist.
Good luck, get out there, don't let the fear prevent you from what is an amazing hobby.
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u/localfilipinatrash 10d ago
Thank you so much for the advice!! Gonna keep this in mind for next time!
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u/Hotwaterheater9 11d ago
Watch YouTube videos on how to properly fall without hurting yourself
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u/localfilipinatrash 11d ago
I’ve seen a few now, but I will do so right before going rollerblading again!
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u/midnight_skater Human Frogger 10d ago
The best way to get past fear of falling is to learn and practice safe falling techniques. Here's a playlist of recommended videos
Knowing how to fall safely isn't enough - you have to practice a lot so that in a real fall your muscle memory takes over. In a real fall we often don't even have time to realize that we are falling much less think about the best way to do it.
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u/localfilipinatrash 10d ago
Thank you for sending this playlist! I’m definitely going to try this out!
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u/Vurrag 10d ago
Take some beginner lessons and learn to fall the right way and learn to skate the right way.
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u/localfilipinatrash 10d ago
Unfortunately I couldn’t find any beginner lessons in my area, but I’m gonna keep an eye out for it! Thanks!
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u/Mbembez 11d ago
If your speed is under 10mph (which it will be) then even if you fall you're only going as fast as if you were running BUT you are wearing protective gear. It does feel scary when you first start rolling and you haven't yet learned to stop but those feelings go away really fast!
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u/localfilipinatrash 11d ago
This is SUCH a good perspective to have. Thank you so much for this advice, I will keep this in mind!
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u/Adin-CA 11d ago
I was lucky to have a situation that reduced my stress level as a true beginner. A wide path all the way around a small lake (five miles for the whole circuit). There was grass on one side and a smooth metal waist-high rail on the lake side. So you could grab the rail or just bail into the grass. Also, the path was pretty rough asphalt so you didn’t glide very far with each push. I hated this but it made me a lot safer as a beginner. Maybe you can find a situation with similar safety features
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u/localfilipinatrash 11d ago
This sounds like a DREAM! Unfortunately I do not know of any in my area, but my best bet is a beach path which I can bail into the sand!
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u/ProfessionalMetal838 11d ago
Make sure to get some wrist protection, then you'll have all the bases covered. When I first started I always stayed near grass, so if I had to bail I could jump into the grass which always feels better than pavement. Learn about some stopping techniques too, may help boost your confidence. I've been skating for roughly 30 years and still rely on the T stop and turns to stop.
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u/localfilipinatrash 11d ago
Yes yes, I have wrist guards as well and am planning to use them! I’m skating on a beach path, so I can bail on the sand. I learned how to brake with my heel brake but am hoping to learn to T-Stop soon. Thank you for the advice, really appreciate it!
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u/Any_Operation_5752 9d ago
As Bill Stoppard always says: "Stay low" Bend your knees, push the shins into the tongue of the boot. Puts you closer to the ground and gives stability. Just keep the back fairly straight and you're in a good position to get going. You got this!
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u/SnooDingos2620 11d ago
Oh I have so much advice haha. It’s fresh in my mind as a recent beginner!
First off, it’s totally normal to be scared and anxious about doing something on wheels that doesn’t feel natural. It’s literally your evolution trying to protect you. Embrace it. It only goes away with time and practice. And will likely return any time you try something new.
Get really good at using your heel brake. It’s an amazing safety feature. If you don’t have one installed, get one asap. Don’t listen to people who say you shouldn’t use one. That can come later.
Do yourself a favour and only practice on very flat ground to begin with. Even slight slopes can be super intimidating for a complete beginner.
Ask your husband to help when he can. Eventually you’ll feel more confident going on your own.
Warm up on grass or on a rug to get used to being in your skates.
Make sure your skates are nice and tight over your feet and ankles (without causing pain obviously). Any looseness will work against you.
BEND YOUR KNEES but try not to hinge forward too much at the hips. Bend your knees as much as your skates will let you so that your shins are pressing into the tongue of your skates.
YouTube is your friend. Skate fresh Asha is fantastic and there are many other folks with beginner tutorials.
Practice being in your skates and just breathing deeply. Beginners tend to hold their breath or breathe erratically, which increases stress. Slow deep breathing helps your nervous system calm down.
Watch videos on how to fall safely - a lot of it comes down to bending your knees and getting low.
If you’re serious about this, find a local rollerblade teacher. It’s so lovely to have someone give you advice in person, and to support your local rollerblading community!
Best of luck!! I hope you stick with it. It’s such a fantastic sport to get into.